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The newest contender in the micro SUV space takes on the Tata Punch which has been setting the sales charts on fire. Can the Hyundai's pedigree bring it to the forefront of the segment?

Scoff at the concept of micro-SUVS all you want but there's no denying that they probably make more sense in our urban jungles than your pedigreed 4x4s. They are compact and convenient and for the most part, even with their naturally aspirated sub-100bhp motors, they will still scamper through most potholed roads with more grace than your average solid axle 4x4s. I'm not promoting their micro SUV marketing spiel, but I completely understand the appeal. Now in this road test, have the battle-weathered veteran of the space, taking on the contender with the pedigree, last year's Indian Car of the Year.

To put it in perspective the sheer dominance of the Tata Punch, it's worth looking at the sales charts where in the last three quarters of last year (pro rata) the Punch sold 1.2 lakh units whereas the Hyundai sold 71,000. In fairness, it's worth noting the Hyundai was launched in July of last year, and the Punch has been around for 3 years. So can the Hyundai outshine Tata's hottest-selling product on its turf?

In terms of design, both these cars have a similar approach to design. The Punch takes Tata's SUV design philosophy and scales it down, with loads of plastic cladding to add to the buff appeal. The bumper-mounted headlamps in those recesses, slim LED DRLs and flared wheel arches all come together to give it the more imposing presence of the two, as far SUV credentials go. The Exter on the other hand is the more mature design.